Repression

Unfortunately, not all aspects of the Liberation were glorious events.

Once the towns and villages were liberated, many residents having been subject to occupation wanted to seek justice themselves, benefitting from the lack of police or State rule.

Many women accused of having had affairs with German soldiers were shaved in the public square.

Families suspected of having collaborated in the German war effort or in denouncing Jews were sentenced to death, often without any form of trial, and often in illegitimate courts presided by civilians or members of the Resistance.